Castella (Jean-Pierre Bacri) is a successful businessman caught behind the fast-changing times. More out of boredom than out of interest, he allows his wife Anglique (Christiane Millet) to drag him to a performance of Racine's "Bérénice." Much to his surprise, he is overwhelmed by the power and beauty of the lead actress, Clara (Anne Alvaro). Finally, these two polar opposites are forced together when Castella tries to learn English and his English teacher turns out to be Clara.